REVIEW: ‘Million Dollar Quartet’ is worth every penny 

Time to don your best blue suede shoes and walk the line towards the very best rock n’ roll at Indy’s Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre for “Million Dollar Quartet.” 

Starring Johnny Cash (Sam C. Jones), Jerry Lee Lewis (Brian Michael Henry), Carl Perkins (Cody Craven) and Elvis Presley (Jesse Plourde), the show electrified the crowd with each musical number.  

The musical outlined the story of Sam Phillips, played by Eddie Curry, and his journey helping the four musicians find stardom. Each one was at their own point in their fame. Jerry Lee Lewis was just finding his feet with Phillips, and Elvis was about to begin his Vegas residency.  

As the stars grew in fame, they drifted from Phillips’ guidance and his Sun Studio to record with larger groups, creating a rift between Phillips and “his boys.”  

“Million Dollar Quartet” sets the scene for the four musicians to gather for one last hurrah on Dec. 4, 1956. They talk, they bicker, they dance and, most of all, they jam. 

The musical numbers were invigorating, bringing the heart and soul of rock n’ roll. The swanky languid blues numbers swayed through the crowd while the high-tempo guitar solos and dance numbers had the audience itching to dance. 

The cast was perfection.  

Every member echoed the mannerisms, accent and personality of the real musicians. Elvis’ large personality was on full display as the actor utilized every inch of the stage to jiggle, shake and slide to his heart’s content. Jerry Lee Lewis, the surprise star of the show, used his brash opinions and intense style of piano playing to raise the energy in the room for big numbers. Cash’s southern charm captured hearts as he sang some of his famous hits alongside Perkins and his newly famous attitude. 

The most surprising thing about “Million Dollar Quartet” was also the most impressive — all the music was played live.  

The bassist, the drummer, guitarists, singers and the pianist performed all the musical numbers themselves. It was so lively I found myself squinting to see if the piano keys were actually moving or if the strums on the guitar lined up with the music. (They did, of course.) 

The costumes and set were equally impressive.  

The set was an old-school recording studio booth. The worn checkered rug on the floor, the soundproofing on the walls and the perfectly shined instruments created an atmosphere that was intimate and familiar. In the shows at Beef and Boards I have seen, they consistently make a small stage feel very large, and this show was no exception. 

The costumes were also superb.  

Elvis looked like Elvis; Cash looked like Cash. The outfits fit the time but were also unique enough that you could easily tell which character was which before they were introduced. Perkins wore blue suede shoes to signify his song by the same name that Phillips let Elvis perform, an issue that persisted throughout the musical.  

Elvis was accompanied onstage by his girlfriend, Dyanne (Hannah Embree). As the only female performer, she brought a lot of suave to the performance. Singing slow and powerful ballads, her presence as a background character was needed, and her voice created harmony while singing and in the cast conversations. 

The final act was the best part. Just when the crowd thought it was over, the boys donned their sequined suit jackets and played, danced, sang and laughed to their heart’s content. Their final performance was interactive, encouraging everyone in the crowd to get up on their feet, which they did.  

“Million Dollar Quartet” is on stage through Oct. 6. For those looking to hear the greatest hits of the 50s, learn some insider secrets of the Sun Studio and relive the rock n’ roll soundtrack from their favorite artists, be sure to check it out before Elvis has officially left the building. 

For more information and to buy tickets, visit beefandboards.com. 

Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.